PAKISTAN:

Mir Mushtaq Ali Talpur said that failure to deal with
drought and desertification accelerates impoverishment of the
populations in dry lands and exacerbates famine and drought relief,
thereby diverting resources from addressing long-term development
issues. Substantial new and additional resources are needed since nearly
US$22 billion will be required annually for the next 20 years to finance
the rehabilitation of land and halt the decline in fertility. Adequate
technology and know-how are also critical. He welcomed the decision that
UNSO will now deal with the needs of all countries facing drought and
desertification.